WHAT IS GERONTOLOGY?
Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of aging. It is a multidisciplinary study of the aging process. “Gerontologists include researchers and practitioners in such diverse fields as biology, medicine, nursing, dentistry, social work, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry, sociology, economics, political science, leisure studies, architecture, pharmacy, and anthropology” (Hooyman and Kiyak, 2018). A graduate degree in Gerontology prepares individuals to work with the elderly in a variety of settings using a variety of practice and administrative methods.
CURRENT NEED FOR WORKFORCE IN GERONTOLOGY
There is an urgent need for well-trained professionals in the field of Gerontology
and, consequently, the projected growth rate of jobs in Gerontology is quite high.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2020, the life expectancy will grow to 77.1
years for men and 81.9 years for women. According to the US Census Bureau, the total US population, between 2000 and 2010, increased by 9.7% (going from 281.4
million to 308.7 million). However, the population aged 65 years and older increased
by 15.1% during the same period. The estimated growth of the elderly population in
the U.S. over the next 50 years will have an unprecedented impact on the services
available to the elderly. An increase in the number of older adults with longer life
expectancies will seriously affect elder care services such as, long-term care, community-based
care, health care, and other supportive services. The current gerontological workforce
is not adequate to meet the unique demands of an aging society. Moreover, the current
workforce will retire (or reduce their work hours) within the next 10 to 15 years
creating more gaps in service-delivery for the elderly recipients of services. Consequently,
there is an acute need for more well qualified professionals in the field of Gerontology.
CAREERS IN GERONTOLOGY
ULM's GERONTOLOGY PROGRAM OFFERS 7 CONCENTRATIONS
Students can choose any one of the following seven concentrations: Long-term Care Administration, Program Administration, Health Care Management, Small Business Management, Grief Care Management, Mental Health, & Aging Studies
AGE Scholarship established to assist ULM Gerontology students
The Aspiring Gerontologist Education – or AGE – Scholarship has been established to assist students in the University of Louisiana Monroe Gerontology program
ULM Gerontology launches paid apprenticeship program for spring 2022
The Gerontology program at ULM will launch a paid apprenticeship program in spring 2022 through funding from the Louisiana Board of Regents.
ULM Gerontology presents free Parkinson's Disease program Oct. 13-14
The University of Louisiana Monroe Gerontology program will present a free virtual education and training program on Parkinson’s Disease Management from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Oct. 13, and Thursday, Oct. 14.
ULM Gerontology presents emergency preparedness symposium May 4 via Zoom
The beginning of warm weather marks the beginning of hurricane season, officially June 1-Nov. 20 for the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. In 2020, a record-breaking two tropical storms and three hurricanes hit Louisiana.
ULM Online rankings feature 5 programs in the top 10
The ULM Gerontology program ranks No. 3 in the Best 15 Masters in Gerontology Programs in 2021 by Best Value Schools.
Life Transitions radio program examines the issues of aging; from social, to behavioral, environmental, financial, and health issues. View archive of episodes, previously aired on KEDM Public Radio.
Lasting Relationships: Stories of a Lifetime
(February 6, 2020) | Photo Gallery
Conference on Age and Aging Fall 2019
(November 7, 2019) | Photo Gallery
Conference on Disability Advocacy Fall 2019
(October 01, 2019)
Fall 2018 Conferences & Workshops
Association of Gerontology in Higher Education
information page about careers & more (www.aghe.org)